Mississippi is one of three states that does not offer early voting of some form. To cast a vote before Election Day, residents must vote via absentee ballot, which can only be done under specific circumstances.

 

Senate Bill 2654 would change that.

 

The legislation, which passed the Senate and was sent to the House for consideration, allows for early in-person voting beginning 15 days before an election and brings our state in line with the vast majority of the nation. As it stands, Mississippi is joined only by Alabama and New Hampshire in prohibiting residents from voting before Election Day.

 

Early voting brings with it both positive and negative effects to local elections. On one hand it gives voters much more time to cast their ballots increasing the likelihood residents will be able to find time to vote. Proponents also claim early voting is more accommodating to voters with irregular schedules such as those working night shift, working single parents and working class voters.

 

Those against early voting claim the extended voting period is just that much more time for election integrity to be compromised. Whether intentionally or by accident, extending elections also increases the risk of ballots going missing or being damaged, the chain of custody being interrupted and more.

 

Early voting can also lock people into their vote too early, opponents claim. Voters could cast their ballots a week before Election Day only for their preferred candidate to be wrecked by scandal or withdrawal from the race.

 

Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk Donna Jill Johnson has also voiced concerns about the workload early voting would place on her office and whether it could successfully implement the practice without additional staff.

 

Early voting certainly comes with its own challenges, and state legislators, elections officials and local voters will all have to work together to make it work, especially in the first few rounds. Despite the obstacles, any measure that allows more Americans to participate in elections, the bedrock of our democracy, is well worth the effort.